Nipah in Kerala. Bat and Nipah
Last year in Calicut,Kerala several people died as a result of an uncommon viral infection called “Nipah”. It’s a fact that about seventy percent of people who tested positive succumbed ,making it a scary news. But life has gone on and people returned to work and play. This year again a case of Nipah has been reported, this time from Ernakulam, a district about 200 km to the north of Calicut
So what’s Nipah?
It’s the name of the virus which causes the disease. The starting symptoms of this
disease could be fever and cough and are fairly similar to that we see with usual
trivial infections that we come across frequently. These signs of fever, cough and
headache could be followed by drowsiness, disorientation and mental confusion. These
signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours and could result in mortality
Nipah is what’s called a Zoonosis. Which means it’s spread by contact with an infected
animal. In case if Nipah the agent is most commonly bats, especially fruit eating bats.
Pigs are also known to harbour the virus.
Is there treatment?
Good intensive care is needed for people affected with Nipah. There is an antiviral drug
available which can be helpful. There is also an experimental drug that’s now in stock
with the Government of India and can be used in exceptional cases.
How does it spread ?
Mainly it’s spread by contact with infected bats or less commonly pigs . Unfortunately
infected bats show no symptoms and therefore there can be no previous warnings like
death of bats in an area. It can also spread by consumption of fruits that have been
half eaten by bats . Spread is also possible by consumption of raw date palm sap and
related products that are contaminated by contact with infected bat. It can spread from
person to person but only on close contact. Till now the affected people have been those
in close contact like nurses and family members.
Where can I get it tested ?
Diagnostic tests are available only in specialised labs. Do not approach the usual
commercial labs for the testing.
What precautions we could take ?
1. Avoid non essential travel to the affected areas.
2. Avoid non essential travel altogether when you are having fever or any other serious
communicable disease.
3. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water or sanitiser especially during travel
and after visiting crowded areas.
4. Consult doctor immediately if there is any health concern . Dont attempt home
cures.
5. Stop the habit of visiting ailing relatives and friends in the hospital. Send a Get
Well soon card instead
6. Never take healthy children to hospital.
7. Don’t spit in public places .
Everyday we encounter millions of bacteria and virus in the places where we travel, in
the food we eat and the air we breathe. There can be no microbe free existence. So
there’s is no need for panic. A little bit of caution is all that is needed
Dr Santhosh
Developmental Paediatrician
Rio Children’s Hospital, Madura
